Pineapple Sage

The Pineapple Sage, 'Salvia elegans', is a semi-woody, mostly herbaceous shrub, 3-5 ft. in height with an open-branched, airy habit.

Like most mints, pineapple sage has square stems. The bruised foliage of Pineapple sage really does smell like fresh pineapple.

The red tubular flowers emerge in August. Use pineapple sage in the center of beds and borders, where its open, airy structure will not hide other plantings. It will grow to shrub size in a single season.

Pineapple sage is often grown as an annual and often grown in containers. Northern gardeners can cut pineapple sage back and dig it up in autumn to overwinter indoors.

The sages are tough and easy to grow and many attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

The fresh leaves of pineapple sage are used in fruit salads and drinks. Crush a few fragrant leaves into hot or iced tea for a flavorful treat.